Abstract

Background:Despite high efficiency of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in degenerative disease of lumbar spine (DDLS), in many cases its appearance is ambiguous or not compatible with clinical findings. Therefore, different new techniques have been proposed to improve the quality of MR images. One of them is CBASS (Completely Balanced Steady State) sequence. The aim of our study was the evaluation of CBASS sequence in DDLS based on analysis of 78 consecutive cases. Material/Methods: The material consists of 78 consecutive patients referred to MR study of the lumbar spine due to low back pain and radicular symptoms. MR examinations, including CBASS sequence, were performed with open low field (0.23 Tesla)MR unit. In all patients, degenerative findings in CBASS and FSE T2-weighted images were scored using 0-3 point scale, and analyzed statistically.Results: The superiority of CBASS to FSE T2-weighted images was found in evaluation of disc herniation and bulging disc outlines, the relationship of disc herniation to the dural sac and nerve roots, visualization of the osteophytes, facet joint degeneration and thick- ening of the ligamenta flava. CBASS was inferior in the assessment of the degenerated disc signal and type 1 degenerative changes of the vertebral bodies.Conclusions: CBASS is superior to T2-weighted images in the evaluation of many symptoms. Therefore, it should be included in routine diagnostic protocol in low-field MR units. In our opinion, CBASS supplements T1-and T2-weighted images in sagittal planes and can entirely replace T2-weighted transverse images

Keywords: degenerative disease, CBASS sequence, lumbar spine, MR